Medical marijuana expansion could be steppingstone to recreational legalization in New York

Pioneers of New York’s medical marijuana program are expressing cautious excitement over the prospect of adult use legalization.

“This industry is probably the fastest moving industry there is right now,” said Jeremy Unruh, director of public and regulatory affairs for PharmaCann LLC, which operates a dispensary in the Bronx.

Unruh suggested the state’s medical marijuana program could serve as a steppingstone as lawmakers move closer toward legalizing recreational use of the drug, but he also warned of a much-needed expansion to the current system before the average New Yorker is allowed to legally light up.